(From an article originally published in Tournaments Illuminated #121, Winter 1997.
Last updated June 23, 2009)

Etcetera - The Kingdom of the Outlands

by Mistress Jessa d'Avondale

The Outlands began as a region of Atenveldt. It became a principality
in A.S. XII, and was elevated to kingdom status
in A.S. XXI.

The arms of the kingdom are
Vert, a stag argent, attired and unguled, salient from between
the boughs of a laurel wreath, in chief a Saxon crown, all within a
bordure embattled Or.
Many of the awards' names and badges incorporate elements of the kingdom's
arms: a leaping stag, and the colors green, silver, and gold.

Outlands kingdom
law requires that anyone receiving an award must be a paid member of the SCA.

Patents of Arms

Patents of Arms are awarded to all kings and queens of the Outlands when they
descend the thrones, if they do not already have
them. All those who have ruled as Consort are also admitted to the
Order of the Rose at the end of their first full reign.

Grants of Arms

Grants of Arms may be bestowed by the Crown for general
service and/or recognition of the recipient. The following awards also convey a
Grant of Arms:

Flower of the Outlands: given for outstanding achievements
in the arts and/or sciences. Companions of the Flower of the Outlands are entitled to place the
initials OFO after their names.
The badge of the order is:
Vert, two stags combatant argent, maintaining a
sexfoil Or, within a bordure engrailed Or.

Iron Hart of the Outlands: given for outstanding achievements
in traditional SCA-style combat. Recipients of
the order are styled "Thegns of the Iron Hart" and are entitled to place the
initials TIH after their names. The badge of the order is:
Vert, two stags combatant argent, maintaining an axe argent hilted
Or, within a bordure engrailed Or.

Stag: given for outstanding service to the
kingdom. Companions of the Stag of the Outlands are entitled to place the
initials OSO after their names. The badge of the order is: Vert, two stags
combatant, maintaining a column argent, within a bordure engrailed Or.

Order of the White Scarf of the Outlands:
given for outstanding achievement in the art of period rapier combat.
Defenders of the White Scarf are styled "Don" or
"Doña" and are entitled to place the initials DWS after their names. The
insignia of the order is a white scarf worn under the arm and tied at the
shoulder. The order's badge is: Sable, on a pale argent between two rapiers
proper, a stag's antler vert. This award was elevated to grant-level on
November 9, 1996. Members of the order prior to this date retain their awards
at the former AoA level.

Order of Sharparrow:
given for outstanding achievements in the art of period archery skills.
Recipients are styled "Archer of the Iron Rain," and are entitled to place the
initials AIR after their names.
The order's badge is: Vert, on a pale argent endorsed Or a flaming arrow sable.

Order of the Silver Lance:
given for exceptional skill and leadership in the equestrian arts.
Recipients are styled "Lancers of the Outlands," and are entitled to place the
initials OSL after their names.
The order's badge is:Vert, two stags combatant sustaining between them a lance argent, a bordure engrailed Or.
(Subject to approval by the College of Arms.)

Awards of Arms

The Crown may bestow Awards of Arms as they see fit.
The titles of Court Baron and Baroness
carry an Award of Arms, as does membership in the following
orders, if the recipient is not already armigerous:

Order of the Stag's Heart:
given for excellence in service to the kingdom.
Companions of the Stag's Heart are entitled to place the initials CSH
after their name. The order's badge is: Vert, a heart Or between the attires
of a stag's head cabossed argent, attired, within a bordure embattled Or.

Order of the Argent Hart: given for excellence in
the arts and sciences.
Companions of the Argent Hart are entitled to place the initials CAH after
their names. The order's badge is: Vert, a stag's head, erased and affronty,
argent, collared and armed, within a bordure embattled Or.

Order of the Stag's Blood:
given for excellence in the art of traditional SCA combat.
Recipients of the order are styled "Defenders of the Stag's
Blood," and are entitled to place the initials DSB after their names.
The order's badge is: Vert, in saltire, a sword inverted proper and an
axe argent, hafted Or, surmounted by a stag's head cabossed argent, armed,
within a bordure embattled, Or.

Order of the Silver Tynes of the Outlands: given for
excellence in the art of period rapier combat.
Recipients of the order are styled "Defenders of the Silver Tyne"
and are entitled to place the initials DST after their names.

Order of the Golden Pheon:
given for excellence in archery.
Companions of the Golden Pheon are entitled to place the
initials CGP after their names. The insignia of the order is:
Vert, a pheon inverted environed of a stag's attire, all within a
bordure embattled Or.

Order of the Silver Stirrup: given for excellence
in the equestrian arts.
Companions of the Silver Stirrup are entitled to place the initials CSS
after their names.

Order of the Trefoil: given to members of shires, cantons,
or colleges for their martial achievement, arts and sciences, or service
to their group. Companions of the Trefoil are entitled to place
the initials CTO after their name. The order's badge is: Vert, a trefoil
slipped argent within a bordure embattled Or.

Order of the Stag and Chalice:
given to those who have served the kingdom for 15 years or longer.
Companions of the Stag and Chalice are entitled to place
the initials CSC after their name. The order's badge is:
(Fieldless) A chalice conjoined to and environed of the attires of
a stag's head cabossed argent attired gules. (Subject to approval by the College of Arms.)

Baronial awards

The following awards, given by Territorial Barons and Baronesses, ccmay
carry an award of arms, subject to the pleasure of the Crown:

Barony of al-Barran

Order of Espada de Oro

given for contributing to or demonstrating excellence in the art of fencing.
Companions of the Espada de Oro are entitled to place the initials CEO after their name.
The order's badge is: Two rapiers inverted in saltire surmounted by a scorpion Or.

Order of the Hammer of al-Barran

given for knowledge and skill in the use of traditional SCA weaponry.
Defenders of the Hammer are entitled to place the initials DHA after their name.
The order's insignia is: any rendition of a Thor's hammer and a scorpion.

Order of the Russian Thistle of al-Barran

given for excellence and contributions to the Barony in the arts and sciences.
Companions of the Russian Thistle are entitled to place the initials CRT after their name.
The order's badge is: (fieldless) A Russian thistle (tumbleweed) bush within an annulet Or.

Order of the Scorpion of al-Barran

given for outstanding service to the barony.
Companions of the Scorpion are entitled to place the initials CSA after their name.
The order's badge is:
(fieldless) A scorpion bendwise within an annulet Or.

Order of the Scorpion's Sting

given for exceptional abilities in teaching the fighting arts and in the use of
traditional SCA-style weaponry.
Companions of the Scorpion's Sting are entitled to place the initials CSS after their name.
The order's badge is:
(fieldless) A scorpion statant brandishing a scimitar, within an annulet Or.

Order of the Watch Fire

given for contributing to or demonstrating excellence in the art of archery.
Companions of the Watch Fire are entitled to place the initials CWF after their name.
The order's badge is:
Sable, a flame environed of ten pheons in annulo points inward Or.

Barony of the Citadel of the Southern Pass

Order of the Ensis Honoris

for skill in the art of the rapier, and showing the highest ideals of chivalry and honor
on the field of combat. Holders of this award may place the initials C.E.H. after
their names. The badge of the order is Azure, a rapier argent between two piles
inverted Or.

Order of the Arquites Australis:

given for skill in archery.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.A.A.. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing the badge of the order: Azure, a pheon Or between
two piles inverted argent.

Order of the Astrum Australis

for outstanding service to the Barony, above and beyond that service normally expected.
Companions may place the initials C.A.A. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing the badge of the order:
Azure, two piles inverted Or, in chief a compass-star elongated to base argent.

Order of the Calyx Honoris

given for showing chivalry and honor in the medieval ideals of the Society.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.C.H. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing the badge of the order:
Azure, a chalice argent between two piles inverted Or.

Order of the Flos Australis

given for excellence in the arts and sciences.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.F.A. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing the badge of the order: Azure, a sunflower
slipped and leaved argent between two piles inverted Or.

Order of Thermopylae

given for skill at arms and demonstrating chivalry and honor on the field.
Defenders of Thermopylae may place the initials D.O.T. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing the badge of the order:
Azure, a double headed axe argent between two piles inverted Or.

Barony of Caerthe

Order of the Aspen of Caerthe

given for serving the Barony well and faithfully, above that service normally expected.
Companions may place the initials C.A.C. after their names.
The badge is: (Fieldless) Sable, on a sun throughout
Or an aspen leaf vert.

Order of the Gilded Leaf of Caerthe

given for talent and excellence in the Arts or Sciences.
Companions of the order entitled to place the initials C.G.L. after their names.
The badge is: (Fieldless) Sable, an aspen leaf inverted Or.

Order of the Sable Lion of Caerthe

given for excellence in the Martial Arts, , giving freely of their expertise in
the use and artistry of historical and traditional SCA-style weaponry
Companions of the order may place the initials C.S.L.C. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing: (Fieldless) Two swords crossed in saltire gules
surmounted by a lion's head erased sable.

Barony of Dragonsspine

Order of the Dragon's Blood

given for excellence in the arts and sciences.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.D.B. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion bearing the badge of the order: Azure, goutty d'Or.

Order of the Dragon's Claw

given for martial skill.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.D.C. after their names.
The insignia is Azure, a dragon's gambe bendwise and couped at the thigh Or.

Order of the Dragon's Grace

for excellence in the art of fencing.
Companions of this order may place the initials C.D.G. after their names.
The insignia is a white glove bearing the badge of the order:
(Fieldless) A sheaf of three rapiers sable surmounted by a dragon's scale argent.

Order of the Scales of Dragonsspine

given for serving the Barony above and beyond that service normally expected.
The badge of the order is Azure, five dragon's scales in annulo, points outward, Or.

Barony of the Caer Galen

Order of the Arch

given for outstanding service to the barony, above and beyond that normally expected.
Recipients may place the initials B.A. after their names.
The insignia of the order will be some rendition of two pillars supporting an arch.

Order of the Bards Militant

given for excellence in martial affairs.
Recipients may place the initials C.B.M. after their names.
The insignia of the order is a blue leather garter buckled about the upper arm.
For armored combat the garter is decorated with a golden broadsword.
For rapier combat the garter is decorated with a golden rapier.
For archery the garter is decorated with a golden arrow.
For armored combat the garter is decorated with a golden lance.

Order of the Nightingale's Song

given for acheivements in the arts.
Recipients may place the initials C.N.S. after their names.
The badge of the order is: Azure, a nightingale close or. (Subject to approval by the College of Arms.)

Barony of Fontaine Dans Sable

Guardian of the Oasis

given for extraordinary skill in the fighting arts of SCA style weaponry (armored combat, rapier or
archery), in addition to leadership, teaching, and honor both on and off the field.
Recipients may place the initials O.G. after their names.

Keepers of the Waters

give for serving the barony above and beyond the service normally expected.
Recipients may place the initials K.w. after their names.

Order of the Palma Aurea

given for a high level of skill in an art or craft, detailed knowledge of its history, and promoting
the learning of the art/craft.
Recipients may place the initials O.G.P. after their names.

Barony of Unser Hafen

Order of the Builders of the Portcullis

given for enriching Arts and Sciences in the barony through service, teaching, and skills.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.B.P. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion pendant from a green ribbon bearing
the badge of the Order: (Fieldless) A portcullis vert debruised by a
candle in its holder Or.

Order of the Golden Columbine

given to those who by deed and example inspire members of the populace to pursue
research, development and dedication to persona of the Middle Ages.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.G.C. after their names.
The badge of the order is (Fieldless) On a portcullis vert a columbine flower contourny Or.

Order of the Golden Ring

given for enriching the barony through service, teaching, and similar skills.
Companions of the order may place the initials C.G.R. after their names.
The insignia is a medallion pendant from a green and gold ribbon bearing
the registered of the Order: (Fieldless) A portcullis vert debruised by an annulet Or.

Order of the Keepers of the Portcullis

given to those who have enriched the Fighting Arts of the barony
through service, teaching, and skills.
Companions of the order may to place the initials C.K.P. after their names.
The badge of the order is: (Fieldless) A portcullis vert debruised by a pair of spears in saltire Or.

Non-armigerous awards and honors:

The Walker of the Way:
given to individuals
whose behavior best personifies the highest ideals and values of the Current
Middle Ages. It can be given only once per reign. Recipients are entitled
to place the initials CWW after their names. The badge is: Argent, a palmer,
robed, hooded and bearing a staff sable.

Order of the Queen's Grace:
given by the Queen to those whose conduct
best exemplifies the ideals of courtliness and gentility. Companions of the
Queen's Grace are entitled to place the initials CQC after their names
may wear the token of the order, a green and white braided
lanyard worn on the shoulder.

Order of the Legion of Gallantry:
given by the Crown to those who have exemplify the ideals of gallantry and
courtesy. Companions of the Legion of Gallantry are entitled
to place the initials CLG after their names.

The Promise of the Outlands:
given to those persons 16 or younger who show great promise.
Recipients are entitled to place the initials CPO after their names.
The badge of the order is: Vert, a deer's head erased argent, budded, within a bordure
embattled Or.

Company of the Venerable Guard:
given to fighters who have served the martial interests of
the Society for fifteen years or more. Companions of the Venerable Guard
are entitled to place the initials CVG after their names. The award's badge
is: Vert, a sheaf of three swords inverted proper surmounted by a rose, all
within a bordure embattled Or.

Queen's Cypher:
given by the Queen to those who have rendered personal
service to her during the reign. Bearers of the Queen's Cypher are
entitled to place the initials BQC after their names, and may wear
the insignia of the order, a stylized rendition of the Queen's initials.

The Cordon Royale:
given by the King to those who have rendered
personal service to him during the reign. Bearers of the Cordon Royal may wear
the insignia of the order, a belt bearing a stylized rendition of the King's
initials.

The Company of the Knights Pensioner:
given to fighters who have served the martial interests of
the Society for thirty years or more. Members of the chivalry who
receive this award
are styled as Knight Pensioners of the Venerable Guard. Those
who are armigerous are styled as Lord/Lady Pensioners of the Venerable Guard.
They are entitled to place the initials PVG after their names.

Order of the Argent Rose:
given to those under the age of 15 who have demonstrated consistent excellence in service.
Companions of the Argent Rose are entitled to place the initials CARO after their names, and may wear
the insignia of the order, a belt favor or medallion pendant from a ribbon, bearing the
registered badge of the Order: Vert, a rose argent barbed and seeded
proper, within a bordure embattled Or.

Order of the Azure Mullet:
given to those under the age of 15 who have demonstrated consistent excellence in the arts.
Companions of the Azure Mullet are entitled to place the initials CAMO after their names, and may wear
the insignia of the order, a belt favor or medallion pendant from a ribbon, bearing the
registered badge of the Order: Or, a mullet of 8 points azure, within a bordure embattled Vert.

Order of the Fallen Snow:
given for exemplary skill in the art of portraying an honored warriors' death on the field.
Companions of the Fallen Snow are entitled to place the initials CFS after their names, and may wear
the insignia of the order: any rendition of a helm and a snowflake.

The Brendon Swatko Award:
given to those under the age of 16 for excellence in martial endeavors.
Companions of the Brendon Swatko Award are entitled to place the initials CBS after their names.

An Augmentation of Arms
is thought to be one of the highest honors which can
be bestowed by the Crown.

Honors and Court Appointments

King's Champion:
in the past this honor fell to the second-place fighter in the
Crown Lists. Currently, the recipient is personally chosen from among the
entrants by the King. The King's Champion has the honor of wearing a green
baldric, and a green tabard embattled in gold, depicting a white stag and
fleur-de-lis, until the next King's Champion is chosen.

Queen's Champion:
chosen in a tournament held twice yearly, on the weekend of
Coronation. The Queen's Champion has the honor of wearing a green leather
baldric, and a green tabard bordered with gold roses, depicting a white doe and
fleur-de-lis. These items are returned to the Queen at the next Queen's
Champion's Tournament.

Warlord of the Outlands:
chosen in a tournament held at least once a year.
The winner holds the title of "Warlord of the Outlands" until the next
tournament.

Protector of the Queen's Heart:
chosen in the Queen's Rapier Champion's
Tournament, held twice yearly, on the weekend of Coronation. The Protector has
the honor of wearing a green cape, bordered with gold roses, depicting a white
doe. These items are returned to the Queen at the next Queen's Rapier Champion
Tournament. The award's badge is: Vert, two rapiers inverted in saltire proper,
overall a heart, all within a bordure embattled Or.

Royal Archer:
The Royal Archer competitions are held at various events on Memorial Day Weekend.
The same tournament format is run at all locations; the victor is the archer who shoots the
highest score of all. All Outlands archers who are members of the SCA and are ranked
Yeoman and above are eligible to compete for the title.
The Royal Archer's duties vary depending upon the Crown's desires and
needs. At a minimum, the Royal Archer will host or assist in the running of the next Royal Archer
Tournament and stand ready in Their Majesties' Courts when needed.

Windhover Bard:
(Kingdom Bard) Chosen by competition, this title was
was established in honor of that most talented and formidable poetess,
Mistress Kyriel of Windhover Cliff.

Queen's Bard:
may be chosen by the Queen to serve throughout Her Reign.
The badge of the position is: Vert, a harp argent surmounted by a rose, all
within a bordure embattled Or.

King's Bard:
may be chosen by the King to serve throughout His Reign.
The badge of the position is: Vert, a harp Or surmounted by a trefoil slipped
argent, all within a bordure embattled Or.

Queen's Shield of Chivalry:
given by the Queen and Crown Princess to the
entrant in the Crown Lists who conducts himself or herself the most
chivalrously upon the field that day. The bearer of the Shield surrenders it to
the new Queen at the next Crown Tournament. The shield itself is round, with a
gold rose on a green field.

Champion of the Arts and Sciences:
chosen at the Arts and Sciences Grand
Competition, which may be held once per reign, at the kingdom Arts and Sciences
events.

Flower of Chivalry:
given by the Queen to an entrant in the Queen's Champion
Tournament who has displayed honor and chivalry throughout the rounds of
fighting. The holder of this honor has the right to wear a green baldric
trimmed with gold, depicting a gold rose, until the next Queen's Champion's
Tournament. Each local group in the Outlands may also proclaim a Flower of
Chivalry at their local Champion tournaments. The baldrics vary group to group,
each in the group's livery colors, and depicting a different flower.
An entrant in the Queen's Rapier Tournament may also be honored as a
Flower of Chivalry, and given the privilege to wear a similarly decorated
baldric, and to carry a rapier which is passed on from the previous
Flower.

Many awards and titles from the Outlands' years as a principality are still
recognized although they are no longer awarded. Closed principality awards
include:

Order of the Stag's Tynes (CST):
given for service to the principality.
The order's badge is: Vert, a stag's attires Or, affixed to the scalp erased
proper, within a bordure embattled Or.

Order of the Leaping Stag (OLS):
given for excellence in the arts and
sciences. The order's badge is: Vert, a stag leaping between in bend sinister a
harp and an olive branch bendwise, all argent.

Order of the Grail of Grace (CGG):
given for personal service to the Princess.

Order of the Princess' Cypher (BPC): given for personal service
to the Princess.

Order of the Prince's Gauntlet (BPG): given for personal service
to the Prince.

This column was compiled from the SCA Armorial and information supplied by
Countess Kathryn of Iveragh, Alban St. Albans and Kwellend-Njal Kollskeggson. Badge illustrations provided by Regana van Kortrijk.

Mistress Jessa d'Avondale (Marla Lecin) resides in the East Kingdom. She
invites anyone with updates or corrections to this article to
contact her.